Following a report last week that FC Bulleen Lions and Dom Barba had parted ways, the club and head coach reaffirmed their ongoing commitment and loyalty to the success of the club, and Barba spoke to TCF of the club’s unity in achieving its objectives.
Barba reiterated that Bulleen’s objective was to finish above relegation in 2016 with the club on track to achieve that target, and admitted the most important development to emerge from the week’s discussions was that Bulleen’s hierarchy, coaching and playing staff was united in its pursuit of the best interests for the club.
“Like a family, we may argue at dinner, but as many families subscribe to, we all have the same aims which is to take the club forward,” Barba said.
“We may have different views of how to get there, but ultimately we all have the same goal and that is what is most important.”
In his second promotion with a club since achieving the feat with the Whittlesea Zebras, Barba’s record saw Bulleen achieve that feat with the best defensive record, which earned outright promotion in top spot and earning the NPL2 West title in the process.
As the best-placed of the promoted sides in 2016 and facing Northcote in 12th position at David Barro Stadium on Monday, a win would propel the Lions above Port Melbourne Sharks into 10th place and towards a mid-table finish for the year.
“After a seven year hiatus we won the league in my first year at the club. As newcomers to this level if you told me we’d be five points clear of relegation at this point in the season I’d have taken that. It is where we need to be,” Barba said.
“I’ve taken two clubs to the top tier and with a level-headed, rational and common sense approach, we at Bulleen are laying the foundations for generations to come to enjoy football at the top flight for may years to come. There is a process in achieving this. I’m not about to second guess myself.”
Barba commended the club hierarchy who have been dedicated to the cause and have stuck by him, provided the support to lead the club squad through the vital home stretch of the season, and commended the strength in unity shown by the Veneto club.
He said he is “looking forward to the next five games where the coaching staff and playing group would repay the faith shown in us all and reach the objectives set prior to the season”.
“FC Bulleen has broken ground as a football club. The easiest course of action would be to remove the coach at any time, however FC Bulleen is a serious club with a serious set of values,” he added.
“Common sense has prevailed and they are honoring their commitment and obligations to its coaches where a lesser club would cut off its nose to spite its face. We are crying out for professionalism in football across all levels. FC Bulleen are leading the way and it is a credit to them.”
The Lions’ campaign on the pitch has been led by a rearguard consisting of experienced goalkeeper Griffin McMaster, veteran defender Felix Rosman, and ably assisted by the likes of Will Abbott, Andrew Mullett and Sam Borghesi, 2015 NPL2 Best and Fairest Matteo Ballan has continued in his midfield role, while the league has also seen Sami Nour emerge as one of the league’s most exciting players when fit. The club has been able to attract high-profile mid-season additions in Christian Cavallo and Andreas Govas to aid the club’s run.
Barba lauded his playing group, who he says have proven through results that their status in the top flight is “well deserved and has provided a foundation for the club into 2017 and beyond.”
“Some of the young boys that have gained valuable experience this season, for example Bardhi Hysolli and Sam Borgehsi, will be players of the future at NPL level if not higher,” Barba said.
“The club is moving forward, I’m looking forward to the next five weeks, and the players who must be applauded for hard work dedication and commitment, are more determined than ever to finish off this season successfully.”